Shock ahead of Portugal vs Norway as Bruno Fernandes withdrawn for Haaland clash, coach Jorge Jesus explains why

Bruno Fernandes will miss Portugal's UEFA Nations League meeting with Norway on Sunday after Jorge Jesus decided not to risk the Manchester United captain, who has been playing through an injury problem. Fernandes started and played the full 90 minutes in Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales earlier this week, but was absent from training on Saturday after telling Jesus that he has been carrying pain through his last three games for United.Fernandes will not be risked in OsloFernandes' absence became clearer after he was left out of Portugal's official matchday squad for the trip to Oslo, with UEFA rules allowing a maximum of 23 players to be named.The 32-year-old had already emerged as a concern after the Wales game, when he came through the full match despite the problem. Jesus said the Portugal medical team had identified Fernandes as one of the players requiring particular attention, with the midfielder needing treatment and recovery time rather than another demanding match so soon after the previous one.“The other case [Fernandes] involves treatment and recovery time,” Jesus said, as quoted by Metro.“He’s coming off an injury at United, and he told me he’s been playing with that pain for the last three games, which is hindering him.”Jesus believes that issue affected Fernandes' performance against Wales, even though Portugal eventually secured a 1-0 victory in Lisbon.“It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales,” he said.The Portugal manager had already hinted that Fernandes was likely to sit out the Norway fixture, explaining that the short recovery period between matches made it difficult to justify taking the risk.“In the game against Wales, we went in with all the available players but Bruno Fernandes came off with a complicated problem,” Jesus said.“We’ll see what happens until tomorrow. Experience tells me that on the third day not all players manage to recover but that’s the same for Norway as for us. However, the player who comes in gives as many guarantees as the one who might come off, that’s what I’ll base my decision on.”With Fernandes now left out of the squad, Jesus' intention is clear: Portugal would rather have their captain properly recovered for what comes next.“I’ve already spoken to him and I prefer not to risk it in this game so he’s fully fit for the Denmark match,” Jesus added.Portugal face a Norway side coming off a big winPortugal head to Oslo with three points already secured, but Norway will arrive with plenty of confidence of their own after opening their Nations League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Denmark.Erling Haaland was the difference in that match, scoring twice as Norway held on for an important home win.That makes Fernandes' absence an important selection issue for Jesus, particularly with Portugal having to deal with a short turnaround after the Wales match. The manager also provided an update on Nuno Mendes, who had been another concern, saying the Paris Saint-Germain defender could be available.“The medical team identified these two players as the most concerning, Nuno Mendes could be available for the game,” Jesus said.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.